By Jennifer Alexander Ruple Strawberry season is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to plan a trip to your favorite roadside farm stand or farmers market, for one of northwest Ohio’s sweetest signs of early summer. Whether you prefer to grab a basket of freshly picked berries or spend a morning filling containers from the field, there are plenty of ways to … Continue reading Sweet Meets Savory this Strawberry Season
By Jennifer Alexander Ruple Spring brings an opportunity to celebrate special occasions with a delightful Build-Your-Own Mini Cheesecake Bar. This colorful and cheerful dessert bar is ideal for Mother’s Day, birthdays, graduations, or any spring party and provides guests of all ages with the fun of assembling their own custom desserts. To create your bar, begin by baking an assortment of creamy, mini cheesecakes – … Continue reading DIY Your Dessert with a Mini Cheesecake Bar
By Jennifer Alexander Ruple The Run for the Roses will soon be here, and Derby Day 152 calls for a celebration as bold and spirited as the event itself. Whether you’re hosting a full‑blown derby party or simply adding a touch of Kentucky charm to the first Saturday in May, a few thoughtful details can transform your space into Churchill Downs at home. Two crowd … Continue reading Riders Up – It’s Derby Season!
By Jennifer Alexander Ruple French Toast Brunch Bake is everything you want in a springtime celebration dish. It’s comforting, festive, and irresistibly delicious. Cubes of cinnamon bread soak up a custardy base then are baked until golden with pockets of brown sugary goodness and a delightful crunch from toasted pecans. For the finish, serve this brunch bake with a bright, fresh Strawberry Compote (chunky fruit … Continue reading French Toast Brunch Bake with Strawberry Compote
Jennifer Alexander Ruple Round out your Easter brunch buffet with two crowd-pleasing sides that pair beautifully with a glazed ham or a cozy egg casserole. First up is a cool, crispy Spring Pea Salad made with tender peas, sharp cheddar cheese and peanuts for that perfect sweet-salty bite. Served chilled, it’s bright, crunchy and can be made ahead for easy hosting. Alongside it, Honey Roasted … Continue reading Fresh Spring Sides to Elevate Your Easter Celebration
Irish Soda Bread Muffins bring the rustic charm of traditional soda bread to a quick and easy individual treat. Rooted in 19th‑century Ireland, classic soda bread relied on baking soda and buttermilk instead of yeast, making it a practical staple for everyday cooking. These muffins are crunchy on the outside, bursting with sweetness from the raisins, and offer a lighter, moist and tender bite that’s … Continue reading Irish Soda Bread Muffins: A Modern Twist on Tradition
Jennifer Alexander Ruple Bolognese sauce, or ragù alla bolognese, is a beloved meat-based sauce originating from Bologna, Italy. This hearty sauce begins with soffritto, the combination of diced onion, carrot, and celery sautéed in olive oil or butter. Ground beef and oftentimes pork and veal are added and browned, then enriched with a splash of wine, tomato paste, and a hint of milk or cream … Continue reading Classic Bolognese Sauce is an Italian culinary tradition
JENNIFER ALEXANDER RUPLE Think outside the box this Valentine’s Day by making Cake Mix Cookies, a charming way to bring a little extra love to your sweethearts. With just three ingredients – your favorite cake mix, eggs and vegetable oil – you can whip up a batch of soft, chewy cookies in minutes. The simplicity makes them perfect for baking with kids, turning the kitchen … Continue reading Cake Mix Cookies: A Sweet and Simple Valentine’s Day Treat
Spice up Taco Tuesday with birria, a dish that has gained in popularity at local Mexican restaurants in recent years. Birria is a rich, moderately spicy dish of slow‑cooked meat originating from Jalisco, Mexico. Continue reading Warm up this winter with spicy, beef birria
The most wonderful time of the year can be a whirlwind! With a flurry of festive activities, shopping, and family gatherings, Christmas can quickly turn from joyful to overwhelming. However, a little advance planning can make all the difference in ensuring a calm and enjoyable season. Continue reading Prepare ahead for a less stressful holiday season
